British Airways Hand Luggage Size 2026

British Airways is generous on weight but specific on the small bag size. Here is the 2026 allowance.

BA's two bags

• Underseat bag: 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Note the 15cm depth, which is slimmer than most airlines.
• Cabin bag: 56 x 45 x 25 cm, in the overhead locker. Both bags together can weigh up to 23kg, far more generous than the budget airlines.

What fits?

The 56 x 45 x 25 cm cabin bag takes any normal travel backpack. Our Vacuum Compression Pack (49 x 32 x 15 cm, opening to 20 cm) fits easily. The small 40 x 30 x 15 cm underseat bag is slim, so a flat item like a crossbody sling or a laptop sleeve suits it better than a chunky daypack.

Use the weight

With 23kg across two bags, BA lets you pack properly. The limit you will hit is size, not weight, so a bag that uses every centimetre of the 56 x 45 x 25 cm allowance is the one to bring.

See the cabin and travel backpack range, or the full UK hand luggage size guide.

Sizes correct for 2026. Confirm on britishairways.com before you travel.